Two of the world’s best rugby teams face off on 8 November as Ireland play the All Blacks. Ireland has had the better of this fixture over the past eight years and will head into this match as favourites.
When Ireland beat New Zealand 40-29 at Chicago’s Soldier Field in November 2016, the result appeared likely to be a one-off.
However, it ultimately marked the ushering in of a new era with Ireland posing a legitimate threat to the All Blacks. New Zealand’s dominance of world rugby subsequently waned with South Africa and Ireland arguably the two new superpowers.
The Springboks and Ireland won a test apiece in their two-test series in South Africa in the middle of 2024.
South Africa then went on to beat New Zealand back-to-back in the Rugby Championship. Currently, both Ireland and South Africa are ranked above the All Blacks in the World Rugby rankings.
Ireland vs. All Blacks Odds & Head-to-Head
It would have been astonishing to think eight years ago that we would end up here. However, Ireland is the favourite to head into this fixture, with Easybet offering odds of 1.40.
At a -6.5 handicap, Ireland are priced at 1.88, while New Zealand are paying 1.82 at a +6.5 handicap.
Of the last nine games between the two teams, Ireland has won five, with New Zealand winning four.
All of the Ireland wins were by seven points or more. However, New Zealand won the last game between these two teams – upsetting Ireland 28-24 in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.
Key Matchup: Flyhalf, Jack Crowley vs. Damian McKenzie
Both starting flyhalves will have a point to prove in this game. Jack Crowley starts at 10 despite his club and Munster’s recent struggles.
Meanwhile, McKenzie has been promoted back into the starting lineup due to a head injury to Beauden Barrett, who was in prime position to take the starting berth.
Whoever wins the battle of the 10s will likely play a big role in deciding the winner of this test match and silence their critics.
